Rear Admiral Leopoldo Alano, commander of the Philippine Fleet, described the drill as a great opportunity “to gain valuable experience and increase our inter-operability.”

The drills will also feature for the first time the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth, and involve the rescue and salvage ship USNS Safeguard.

While it does not take sides in the dispute, the US has in recent weeks intensified its criticism of China’s reclamation work, which has created new islands including airstrips on reefs and shoals also claimed by its neighbors.

The US says the activities could pose a threat to freedom of navigation.

The P595M Supplemental Budget comes from the P540M loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines, P48M unappropriated budget of 2015, and the P7 million increase of the city’s Internal Revenue Allotment.

Of the total supplemental budget request, P300 million is for the purchase of heavy equipment’s, P150 million for the construction of a new public market in Brgy. Matahimik, P90 million for the improvement of the Baywalk area and P55M for various barangay infrastructure, concreting of roads, lighting, garbage bins, financial assistance for fire victims and tourism promotion.

In answer to clamor from various stakeholders that its decision’s be based on science, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) created a scientific advisory panel.

“The panel will serve as a referral station of PCSDS. While PCSDS being the technical support staff of the Council mas maganda ang merong scientist perspective sa mga decision making, ” Alex Marcaida, PCSDS information officer said.